Methodology

Since there is no previous research explaining the role of networks in altering academics' teaching practices or predisposed hypotheses on its positive impact, the study will adopt an exploratory approach.

The mixed method approach will be employed to investigate why, how, from whom academics learn new teaching ideas and understand the reasons that govern their behaviours.

For capturing a realistic picture of academics' relationships in a professional setting and for analyzing their interaction, the technique of Social Network Analysis (SNA) will be applied. The SNA will help provide both a visual and a mathematical analysis of academics' relationships. The level of analysis will be the egocentric networks of academics.

Main data sources of the study will be social network analysis (SNA) surveys and follow-up, in-depth interviews.